Interviewer
Gabriela Rivera
Project
El Paso Folklore (English 3374)
Summary of Interview
Allen Rivera is a retired Military veteran, now working in the I.T. field on Fort Bliss. In this story about the history behind his sleeve tattoos, he goes through many of the stories and meanings behind his tattoos, whether they were dedicated to family members important to him (Grandmother, Aunt, etc.), tributes to major history moments on Puerto Rico (El Morro, Taino artifacts), or they were popular symbols among Puerto Rican culture (Coqui) each tattoo has a meaning and a reason behind the ink. In a mix of personal and cultural, Allen shares different aspects of Puerto Rican culture, such as Taino history, music, and traditions, and his standpoint on tattoos as a whole and the significance they carry. He acknowledges stereotypes behind tattoos that are prevalent on the island and even in his own family, and how those hardships, along with others, bring more life and meaning into the art on his arms.
Date of Interview
12-3-2025
Length of Interview
42:54
Listen to the Interview
Tape Number
No. 1800
Transcript Number
No. 1800
Interview Number
1800
Terms of Use
Unrestricted
Recommended Citation
Interview with Allen Rivera by Gabriela Rivera, 2025, "Interview No. 1800," Institute of Oral History, University of Texas at El Paso.
Comments
Student Created